Awards
MASRC Annual Awards
Every year, the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council selects two Indigenous athletes, coaches, and volunteers for their dedication, contributions, and excellence in sport.
The nominees represent Indigenous excellence on various fronts: from athletes gaining national recognition, to volunteers investing their time, to coaches building the next generation of Indigenous excellence. To us, celebrating Indigenous sport stands as a top priority.
Awards like this are integral to our mission of celebrating Indigenous athletes, coaches, and volunteers that are shaping and changing the world of sport in our province and beyond.
For Achievements in 2023
Cody Gunderson, Indigenous Athlete of the Year
Cody Gunderson, honored as Indigenous Athlete of the Year, is a proud member of the Red River Métis Nation. His standout performance with the Carillon Junior Sultans, leading in batting average and doubles in the Manitoba Junior Baseball League, culminated in a gold medal win with the Elmwood Giants at Junior Nationals. Cody's talents extended to an undefeated run and a gold medal with Team Manitoba at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Recognized as Rookie, Top Defender, and Batting Champion of the Year, Cody now sets his sights on a promising NCAA career with the Division 1 University of North Carolina Charlotte Niners.
Zoe Batkis, Indigenous Athlete of the Year
Zoe Batkis, named Indigenous Athlete of the Year, hails from the Red River Métis Nation. Her recent triumphs include clinching the Cheer Provincials title and representing at the World Championships. Notably, she contributed to the inaugural Cheer Manitoba provincial team and earned recognition for sportsmanship and a positive attitude. Beyond cheer, Zoe actively engages with her community, volunteering with organizations like the Niverville Remembrance Day Committee and Bear Clan, all while excelling academically as she nears graduation from grade 12 this spring.
Jessica Chow, Indigenous Coach of the Year
Jessica Chow, honored as Indigenous Coach of the Year, is a dedicated member of the Red River Métis Nation. She actively coaches in various soccer programs, including the University of Regina Cougars soccer development programs and the Bonivital Soccer Club. Jessica's commitment to First Nations youth is evident in her involvement with the Treaty 4 Junior Cougars Program and as an Aboriginal Apprentice Coach at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Balancing coaching with her studies at the University of Regina, Jessica exemplifies dedication and leadership.
Dean Govereau, Indigenous Coach of the Year
Dean Govereau, named Indigenous Coach of the Year, hails from Fisher River Cree Nation. As assistant coach of the Manitoba 16U male softball team, Dean contributed to their gold medal victory at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. His coaching extends to multiple teams in Fisher River, spanning U11 to U17 categories, with recent success including a provincial gold with the U15 team.
Benjamin Oman, Indigenous Volunteer of the Year
Benjamin Oman, recognized as Indigenous Volunteer of the Year, proudly represents the York Factory Cree Nation. He contributes significantly to sports and community activities in Churchill, organizing hockey, baseball, and volleyball events for local youth. When Benjamin is not busy coaching or playing sports, he can be found at the local arena, ensuring everything is running smoothly and efficiently in his spare time.
Christina Keeper, Indigenous Volunteer of the Year
Christina Keeper, honored as Indigenous Volunteer of the Year, is a proud member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Her longstanding commitment to Team Manitoba's female NAHC team as a coach, athletic therapist, and trainer underscores her dedication. Christina's recent involvement at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games as a soccer team trainer highlights her ongoing support for youth in Indigenous communities, particularly in the realm of physical therapy.
Tom Longboat Awards
The Tom Longboat Awards were established in 1951 to recognize Aboriginal athletes for their outstanding contributions to sport in Canada. With a few exceptions, the Awards have been given out every year since its inauguration. It remains the longest standing and one of the most prestigious awards for the Aboriginal athletes in the country.
As a program of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, the Tom Longboat Awards provide a forum for acknowledging the growth and strength of the Aboriginal sport movement in Canada and its tremendous impact on the sport development from community level participation to elite level competition.
2023 Award Recipients
Trina Ross, Cross Lake First Nation
Once again, for the second consecutive year, Pimicikamak Okimawin proudly celebrates the recognition of another outstanding female athlete with the prestigious Tom Longboat Award. This year, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Trina Ross from Pimicikamak for her well-deserved honor as the recipient of the esteemed Tom Longboat Award. In 2022, Trina distinguished herself as the sole Indigenous athlete representing Canada on the national dragon boat team, achieving remarkable success at the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in the Czech Republic. Her outstanding performance earned her an impressive tally of 8 medals: 3 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze. Trina's achievements make her an exceptional role model, inspiring Indigenous athletes across our province and the nation.
Connor Church, Red River Metis Nation
For the second consecutive year, Connor Church has been selected as the male recipient of the Tom Longboat Award. A citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation, Connor excels as a National Team member for Wrestling Canada, claiming his first national title in 2022. Subsequently, he secured victories at the Canada Cup and the Canada Summer Games within his weight class. Connor further showcased his talent at the U20 PanAm Championships, finishing 3rd overall. Currently pursuing studies in Business Development at Concordia University, Connor actively trains with both the Varsity team at Concordia and the Montreal Wrestling Club. His commitment extends beyond competition, as he plans to contribute as a coach at NAIG 2023, demonstrating his dedication to the sport and community alike.
The Aboriginal Sports Circle has produced a video interview with Connor Church. To watch his story, click HERE.
Manitoba Indigenous Sport Decade Award (2010-2020)
Each year the MASRC honours athletes, coaches, and volunteers who demonstrate great determination, leadership, and giving back to their community.
In 2020, our annual awards celebrated a decade! With the cancellation of most sports due to Covid, it served as an opportunity to celebrate a career award rather than a season award.
The award recipients are chosen by following a strict set of guidelines and are selected through the Award/Scholarship Selection Committee.
Manitoba Indigenous Sport Decade Award Winners
- Manitoba Indigenous Female Athlete of the Decade - Jocelyne Larocque (top-middle)
- Manitoba Indigenous Male Athlete of the Decade - Zach Whitecloud (bottom-middle)
- Manitoba Indigenous Female Coach of the Decade - Jayme Menzies (bottom-right
- Manitoba Indigenous Male Coach of the Decade - Dale Bear (top-right)
- Manitoba Indigenous Female Volunteer of the Decade - Jacinta Bear (bottom-left)
- Manitoba Indigenous Male Volunteer of the Decade - Faron Asham (top-left)
For full media release, click here.
Our History
Click on the links below to see past recipients dating back since 1999
